After starting the season 6-0, the Sharks have dropped two straight. Head coach Ray Humphrey says the team has approached its past two games with a lackluster attitude.
By Sam Rubinroit / Sports Staff Writer
With a fourth-quarter comeback, Frazier Mountain defeated Malibu High School in the Sharks’ Homecoming game on Saturday night. The 18-17 loss was the second consecutive defeat for Malibu (6-2 overall, 1-1 in league play) The team’s 6-0 start was a school record.
The Sharks opened the game strong, jumping out to an early lead after a six-yard touchdown run by senior fullback Jake Wisnicki put them up 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Malibu defense picked up in the second quarter, with a sack from senior lineman Brennan Lowe, a fumble recovery from senior Austin Rowan and an interception from senior Sean Conrad. The interception put the Sharks within field goal range with the clock running out in the half, and senior kicker Jonny Palmer nailed a 30-yard field goal to put Malibu up 10-0 going into halftime.
The opening of the second half brought problems for the Sharks, with the offense unable to generate any momentum. As the third quarter drew on, the Flacons connected on back-to-back touchdowns, an eight-yard run and a 28-yard pass, but were unsuccessful on both two-point conversions, slimming their lead, 12-10. As the end of the quarter drew near, Wisnicki made a spectacular second effort on a run, jetting his way to the 10-yard line.
Wisnicki’s run left the Sharks with great field position, setting up a 10-yard touchdown run by Conrad in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, putting Malibu up 17-12. A booming touchback kick by Palmer left the Falcons scrambling, and Malibu cornerback Juan Anderson came up with an interception, stopping the Falcons’ drive. After the Sharks were forced to punt, the Malibu defense came up with a stop by recovering a fumble on the one-yard line, foiling a Falcon touchdown. Malibu was once again forced to punt, and, as the Falcon offense took over, Malibu free safety Ryan Houge came up with an interception. But it was called back due to passing interference. The Falcons regained the ball on the 25-yard line, setting up a touchdown run to put them up one point, 18-17, after another failed two-point conversion.
The Malibu offense took over with 1:28 remaining in the game, but was unable to get a first down after quarterback Victor Tyler was sacked on two consecutive plays. The Falcons took the field, kneeling the ball to tick off the remaining second of the game.
Head coach Ray Humphrey has not been happy with the manner in which the Sharks have played the past two games.
“We’ve got to find the answer to why we’re playing like we’re playing,” said Humphrey, who continually referred to the lackluster attitude with which the team has approached the games.
Malibu hopes to finish the season strong, with two league games remaining, one Friday night at 7 p.m. at home against Santa Paula (6-2, 2-0) and the other Nov. 14 in Nordhoff against Villanova Prep (4-4, 0-3).